‘Push for a Wallabies jersey’: Why rising star left Waratahs for Force

Backrower Will Harris is the latest player to sign up for the Western Force’s recruitment drive for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The 23-year-old joins fellow NSW Waratahs ace Ben Donaldson and Brumbies Test halfback Nic White in joining the Perth-based club.

Harris, who has earned 41 caps at the Waratahs since his 2020 debut, has signed a two-year deal, saying he felt the Force were on the rise.

After playing for Australia A last year Harris is looking to make the step up to the senior national team.

“The Force is a team on the up, and I want to stay in Australia to push for a Wallabies jersey,” Harris said in a statement on Thursday.

“I look forward to a fresh start and improving my game.”

With ex-NSW assistant Simon Cron at the helm of the Force, Harris was looking forward to being reunited with his former Waratahs and school teammate Jeremy Williams in Perth.

“Jeremy and I went to school together and have stayed in the same friendship circle and been best mates for the last 10 years.

“We played club rugby together, school, the list goes on and he has had only good things to say about the Force, so that made me sure of my move over.”

Cron was equally pleased to welcome Harris, who can play No.8 or blindside flanker, as he continues to build for the future.

“I was lucky enough to coach Will a few years ago and he is a player who is always wanting to learn and get better,” Cron said.

“He adds another genuine lineout option to our forward pack because he is incredibly fast off the ground.”

Melbourne have re-signed homegrown Wallabies hooker Jordan Uelese on a two-year deal.

Uelese is the second Victorian with international experience to re-sign with the Rebels in as many weeks, joining Test prop Pone Fa’amausili.